Drug Notes

Perphenazine (By mouth)

Perphenazine (per-FEN-a-zeen)

Treats schizophrenia. May also be used to treat nausea and vomiting.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines and foods can affect how perphenazine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking medicine to treat depression, or any medicine that makes you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sleeping pills, sedatives, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, or narcotic pain medicine).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease, asthma or emphysema, seizures, or a history of depression.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Tardive dyskinesia, a disorder that causes involuntary movements, and that could be permanent
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Rise slowly from a sitting position if you feel dizzy.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness
• Jerky muscle movements that you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)
• Seizures
• Severe stomach pain, constipation, vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Yellow eyes or skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Stuffy nose

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017